CHICAGO -- Fans attending Chicago White Sox games for the remainder of the 2001 home season will be limited in the items they will be allowed to bring into Comiskey Park under Major League Baseball-wide security measures announced Friday night.

Beginning with Tuesday's home game against the New York Yankees, backpacks, large bags, coolers and any unsealed beverage containers will not be allowed into the ballpark and cannot be "checked in" at the gate. Fans with these items will be asked to return them to their vehicles. Smaller bags and other articles will be inspected prior to entry to the ballpark.

"We apologize for any inconvenience these new measures might cause our fans," said Terry Savarise, White Sox vice president of stadium operations. "But we feel our fans do understand. We are confident that Comiskey Park remains a safe facility, and we appreciate everyone's cooperation in helping us make the ballpark a safe, secure and fun place to watch a baseball game."